After Real Madrid’s request for a pay rise, Vinicius came up with an incredible request: “If that 20-year-old kid is still here, I’ll leave the club.” Xabi Alonso immediately said Vinicius’s response made him stay silent out of shame!
Following the dramatic developments at Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior has once again been at the center of debate. The Brazilian star, who had been in a state of tension with the club, reportedly gave a puzzling ultimatum: 20-year-old Santiago Bernabeu star Vinicius wants to leave the team. However, this bold statement was quickly met with a harsh and cold reaction from coach Xabi Alonso, leaving Vinicius in a difficult situation and leading to widespread debate among fans and pundits.
Salary Disputes and Stalled Negotiations
Currently 25, Vinicius’s salary is €35 million per year, while his teammate Kylian Mbappé’s current salary of €25 million has demanded a pay rise equal to his current salary. Real Madrid, led by president Florentino Pérez, has implemented a strict salary structure that sets a net salary limit of around €20 million per season for senior players. Although Vinicius offered himself a raise of this figure, the club refused to meet Mbappé’s demand for equal pay in order to maintain financial discipline and avoid a fluctuation effect among other stars. This rejection fueled tensions that negotiations had reached a standstill and that Vinicius had led to question marks over the club’s long-term future.
The Endrick Ultimatum
Vinicius’s latest request has taken the situation to an even more interesting level. Sources close to the club claim that the winger was disappointed by his lack of status compared to Mbappé and has turned his attention to young Brazilian striker Endrick, who has been transferred to Real Madrid. Endrick, who is considered the star of the generation, has been gradually integrated into the squad and has played a limited number of matches at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. However, it is reported that Vinicius sees the youngster’s presence as a threat to his role and has therefore given a stark ultimatum: either Endrick goes, or him.
Tactical Disagreements and Alonso’s Authority
This request was met with response from both club management and fans. Vinicius, a prominent figure, including multiple Champions League winners, has long expressed his love for the club, and the club once said, “I hope I can stay here for many years. This is the club of my life.” He said. However, his recent behavior indicates growing dissatisfaction with his struggle to adapt to Alonso’s tactical system. In June 2025, the Spanish coach, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti, implemented a 3-5-2 formation and used Vinicius as part of the two-man striker duo instead of the left-back role he usually preferred. This change, which emphasized Alonso’s defensive work, would strain the relationship between the two.
Alonso, known for his outspoken approach, didn’t hesitate to respond to Vinicius’s ultimatum. Real Madrid’s 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals, held at a press conference after the coach delivered a stern response. “This is Real Madrid. No player is bigger than the club, and no one dictates the terms,” Alonso said. “Endrick is a young talent with enormous potential, and we are building a team for the future.” His calm but determined words underscored his authority, and by leaving Vinicius with very little movement, he effectively silenced the winger’s angry outburst.
Future Uncertainties and Transfer Speculation
The effects of this shadow cast over Vinicius’s future. While he has continued to be a global talent with 36 goals in 50 games this season, his recent performance has been subject to criticism. The club was forced to play against Al-Hilal during the World Cup and was almost benched against PSG; he only played because of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury. Alonso’s decision to replace him in a few games, Mbappé’s key player, as a key player, has firmly established himself in the hierarchy. X’s actions also reflected this idea, and some fans have accused Vinicius of allowing decisions based on “ego and jealousy.”
Premier League clubs such as Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, while speculation of a possible split is rife. Rumors of Saudi Arabian Professional League side Al-Hilal making a €1 billion bid have returned to the forefront, but Vinicius’s ambition to win the Ballon d’Or is not holding him back from moving to the Middle East. Real Madrid, who fear his contract will run into its final year in 2026, may consider a sale if tensions continue, and this could benefit Rodrygo, a team player who can play a wider role.
A Critical Juncture for Vinicius
For now, Vinicius is at a critical juncture. Alonso’s vision requires discipline and teamwork; Alonso has insisted the public develop these qualities in Vinicius and Mbappé. The Brazilian must decide whether to adapt to the club’s current circumstances or risk alienating them. As Real Madrid prepares for the 2025-26 season, their eyes are on Vinicius; not with his talent on the pitch, but with his choices off it.
